Once upon a time, (1070 to be exact), William The Conqueror built Rockingham Castle as a royal fortress. Successive Kings refortified it as fast as invaders destroyed it. Eventually, The Crown seized it from King Edward III but left it to ruin. So thank goodness Henry VIII handed it to the Watson family, who’ve lived there happily ever after.
It’s a whole lot more romantic now with castellated towers, lovely lawns, a rose garden instead of a keep, air con and WIFI. And the panoramic views that once revealed impending attacks, now simply supply stunning scenery.
And after hundreds of years of change, there’s evidence of every era in the architecture and gardens. You literally walk through history at Rockingham.
Or, if you’re anything like me, you unleash the big kid in you …
As I’m taking photos on a wedding day, I imagine playing Quidditch in the parapets, hide and seek in the maze, bows and arrows beneath the towers, and spot the shapes in the elephantine hedge. (Ok, I only do two of those.)
And it’s those interesting features, breathtaking views, and rich history that I find so inspiring for wedding photography at Rockingham Castle.
And I think you’ll love it too …
Not to be too Disney princess about it, but Rockingham Castle is quite the fairytale wedding venue.
Rockingham Castle Wedding Photography
Your guide to
Take a peek for yourselves...
Five reasons you’ll love Rockingham Castle for your wedding photography
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Ok, that’s a cop-out. Because I got stuck for words. But it’s true.
Every photo will be a winner. Because there are more beautiful backgrounds than you can shake a bouquet at ...
No car park, mobile toilet, or Lidl supermarket in the background here. Just the odd dramatic tower, quirky hedge, pergola look-out, spiral staircase, romantic garden, countryside view, ancient arrowslit, taxidermy ram with a wonky eye …
... All set and ready to be the backdrop for your own happily ever after.
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Just imagine yourselves (and your photos) here…
The Rockingham Castle Gallery
If you're getting married at Kelmarsh Hall, you get VIP access for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Not only is this a great way to practice being in front of the camera, it's also a chance to create memories and photos in a different season or location from your wedding pictures.
Nervous about being photographed?
Find out what it’d be like to have me as your wedding photographer.
“We want to know more!”
Wahey! *crosses everything I’m free* Tell me about your plans so far and I’ll get back to you with my availability and next steps.
“We’re ready to book!”
Where would you like to go now?
Whoop! What fun! And a minefield too, perhaps? Try this series of revealing guides that take you through (almost) everything there is to consider from a photography point of view before you choose your wedding venue (and your photographer). Includes things venues would probably rather I didn’t tell you!
Still looking at venues?
Should I pick a photographer who’s recommended by my venue?
Should I pick a photographer who’s worked at my venue before?
How I capture unique photos at my regular wedding venues
What to look for in a wedding venue to get magical photos
Psst! Did you know *this* about Rockingham Castle?
Rockingham Castle gets its name from the ‘Rock’ on which it stands, the ‘Ing’ (aka a meadow) that sits between the castle and the river Welland, and the ‘Ham’ (or village) which sits below.
From the parapet, you can see five counties (Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire) - unless it’s foggy
The rose garden was originally the castle’s keep
Richard the Lion Heart’s brother John left his treasure chest containing the crown jewels in the Great Hall - and it’s still there. Maybe.
Charles Dickens, a friend of the Watson family and regular visitor, used the castle as inspiration for Chesney Wold in his novel ‘Bleak House’.
There, you’re all set for the local pub quiz!
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